Google opts for Open SourceJDK over Oracle’s Java

Google has announced that beginning from Android N, it is going to stop its dependence on Oracle’s Java and will go for open source OpenJDK.

Although Google states that the reason for this is to root for open source software, there seems more to it. Ever since Oracle acquired Sun Microsystems in 2010, it has been in a tussle with Google over Android. Oracle claims that Android utilises its JavaAPI without prior permission. Google claims that no one can copyright APIs. This had led to a debate between the two. Till date, the issue has not led to any legal resolution. Even though a jury supported Google’s view on APIs in 2012, the federal court reversed the decision, claiming that APIs could indeed be copyrighted. The Supreme Court refused to even hear the case out in June last year, bouncing it back to the lower courts.

But Google has not taken a stance on that point and is inviting attention to the open source aspect of Android. This involves the use of source libraries as well. This change was evident in a source code commit that is now being confirmed by Google to be the scene for all future Android versions.

Users will not notice any difference as OpenJDK is a complete stand-in for Oracle’s proprietary implementation. Developers may not need to choose between the two and can standardise on just one. Google will benefit, as this move will pave the way for how open source implementations get developed to benefit Android directly.